DOUBLE TYKE
My Leeds are carbon copy of Manc rivals says Smith
Leeds fans loathe United and many felt betrayed when Smith quit Elland Road to move to Old Trafford in 2004 following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Smith spent three years at United, picking up a Premier League winners’ medal in 2007, and says both sets of fans are very passionate.
The clubs will renew their Premier League rivalry at Old
Trafford on December 19 and Smith said: “Leeds fans don’t like me for saying it, but the characteristics of both clubs are very similar in terms of the beliefs, history, the people who are involved in it, the styles.
“The passion of the fans is very similar. You know the passion both clubs have and that’s why I loved playing for both clubs.
“I think that made my transition quite easy in that first year. And you’re surrounded by world- class players, which makes it a little bit easier as well.”
Smith, 39, who retired in 2018 when he left Notts County, remembers being angry when Eric Cantona joined United from Leeds in 1992 and was at Elland Road when Rio Ferdinand made the same controversial switch 10 years later.
Yet the boyhood Leeds fan, who was born in Wakefield, says he did not feel like a traitor because he had given the club his all during his 13 years with them.
The striker’s £ 7m transfer fee and his generous gesture in waiving his loyalty payments helped Leeds stay afloat and he believes the fans should have been proud to see one of their own do well.
“I was a kid when Eric went to United and was probably one of those throwing stones at the team bus when he came!” he told the Red Devils’ UTD Podcast.
“No, I don’t think I did that, but you understand what I mean.
“I was there as a player when Rio left and it was a bit different for me because I was one of their own players.
“I’d been there from 10 years old, so it was big for them that I chose the destination that I did.
“But they should be proud of one of their own young players going on to whatever destination it was, in terms of the calibre you go to. “That should not be forgotten because it’s a Leeds- Man United rivalry.
“I think it didn’t really bother me because it was a decision I made purely based on the good of Leeds financially and myself footballing- wise.”
FIRST LOVE: Smith grew up a Leeds fan and the fans ( below) loved him